From the organizers:
Presented by the AIA Baltimore Committee on the Environment and Resiliency (COTE |R), Urban Design Committee (UDC), and Rails to Trails.
Registration includes a complimentary Baltimore Greenway 2019 t-shirt. Funds raised will go to support Rails to Trails.
This year’s urban bike ride explores the Western and Southern loops of the Baltimore Greenways Trail Network and efforts led by Rails to Trails to create a world-class network of connected urban trails in Baltimore. AIA Baltimore has joined Rails to Trails as an advocacy partner in the effort to complete the 10 additional miles needed to close critical gaps through 50 neighborhoods and help reverse the urban fragmentation. Former rail lines, industrial coastlines and reconfigured roadways will be transformed from barriers in the built environment to community-based assets centered on trails. This will change the way Baltimore residents work, live and play—and generate myriad long-term impacts related to social equity, health, environmental conservation, active transportation and economic development.
This tour focuses on a mostly flat 11 mile stretch that includes the Western and Southern loops of the trail, and passes through the South Baltimore neighborhoods of Sharp-Leadenhall, Pigtown, Carroll Park, Westport, and then through Middle Branch Park with a view of the Patapsco and where the Hanover Street Bridge spans Cherry Hill to Port Covington. We’ll hear from Rails to Trails and community leaders about trail plans for the area. The natural waterfront areas along the Middle Branch—ecologically rich and home to some of the best waterfowl seeing—go largely unnoticed, hidden behind vestiges of industry and underneath highway interchanges. Better access by trails will help to strengthen the natural assets of Baltimore’s lesser known harbor.
The ride is about 10 miles and will begin and end at the Checkerspot Brewing Company. Parking is available in the lot under 395 that is directly across the street from Checkerspot on S. Sharp. Street. Stick around after the tour for drinks at Checkerspot!
In case of poor weather, the rain date will be Sunday, April 28, same time and location.